The vote, listed as Agenda Item 11.A, approved a 99-year ground lease on city-owned land at 14th Street and committed $13.5 million from the city's Housing Trust Fund to support the project, which aims to deliver 100% affordable housing units.
In a January 8, 2026, letter to Interim City Attorney Yolande Y. Gisele von Tongeln, representatives from Santa Monica Neighbors and Mid-Wilshire Residents alleged that three council members who voted in favor-Councilmember Jesse Zwick, Mayor Caroline Torosis, and Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya-may have had disqualifying conflicts of interest under the Political Reform Act and related ethics rules.
The residents cited the following issues: Councilmember Zwick allegedly engaged in undisclosed ex parte communications with HCHC Executive Director Sarah Letts, including emails and private discussions on project alternatives, during the council process.
Read More: https://www.smobserved.com/story/2026/02/09/news/span-classbrnwsbreaking-news-spansanta-monica-residents-raise-conflict-of-interest-concerns-over-council-vote-on-affordable-housing-project/9654.html
